The great white pelican is an imposing bird; its huge beak has a bag of skin attached to its underside which is used to collect the fish it has caught. The decreasing numbers of this species is mainly due to human related activities. While once it...
The rock dove, also known as common pigeon, is a bird with which we have a rather controversial relationship. It often populates city squares and is rather despised because it’s considered a carrier of diseases such as salmonella. In truth, it’s not...
The house sparrow is probably the most widespread and well-known species in Europe, both in cities and in the countryside. It’s a very sociable bird and, out of the reproductive period, it usually meets in groups of at least ten individuals. It...
If you have ever spent an hour or so paddling around a lake or pond, odds are you have heard the beautiful call of Gavia immer, otherwise known as the common loon. With a jet black face, two red eyes, and a large, sharp beak, this bird is easily...
On the banks of streams and small mountain creeks, it’s not difficult to meet a striking and lively species due to the bright lemon color of the feathers and the snappy movements of the tail: it’s the grey wagtail! Unlike most species, the grey...
The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), also known as the common puffin,is one of three species of puffin found worldwide. They are members of the auk family, which also includes the guillemots, murres and auklets.
The Bullfinch is the jewel of our woods: the bright colours of the male contrast with the elegant sobriety of the female. However, it is a discreet bird, which does not like to show itself in the open. Its short, sharp-edged beak is a great tool for...
Six months of uninterrupted flight, never landing: this is how the Alpine swifts spend the entire wintering period in West Africa, it even manages to enjoy some form of sleep while continuing to soar in the air. This distinctive behavior was...
The cormorants are believed to be an ancient group of birds. A fossil of one of the earliest known birds reflected a structure markedly similar to the cormorant. Their closest living relatives are darters, gannets, boobies, and pelicans. Cormorants...
A spectacular flight characterized by fast ascents, reckless swoops and sudden attacks on the prey, a very sharp sight, a majestic and elegant profile. No wonder that the golden eagle has been loved and venerated by mankind in every age and culture...